PODCAST · health
Nutrition Diva
by QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Nutrition advice has never been easier to find. Knowing which advice you can trust has never been harder. Every day brings another headline, social media trend, or viral nutrition claim telling you what to eat, what to avoid, or which supplement will change your life. Much of it sounds convincing. Much of it isn't supported by the evidence. Nutrition Diva helps you separate nutrition science from nutrition myths so you can make confident decisions about your health. Each week, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, translates evidence-based nutrition into plain English, breaking down the latest research and explaining what it really means for your everyday life. Instead of sensational headlines and fad diets, you'll get practical nutrition guidance you can understand—and use. Whether you're trying to build healthier eating habits, lose weight, improve metabolic health, support healthy aging, or reduce your risk of chronic disease, every episode helps you m
Episodes
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What to eat while breastfeeding and what to skip
883. You've probably been told to skip broccoli, garlic, spicy food, sushi, peanuts and even your morning coffee while breast-feeding. How much of that advice holds up? Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, sorts fact from folklore on what to eat and what to avoid while nursing. She covers the colic theory...
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Fasting-mimicking diets: Medical therapy or anti-aging hack?
882. Someone in your office comes back from vacation with a box of soups and shakes and announces they're doing a five-day fast. Except they're eating. Fasting-mimicking diets are unusual among viral wellness protocols in that there is a real body of peer-reviewed research behind them. There is...
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Are we eating too much protein? Or not enough? (Reissue)
699.What's the latest guidance on how much protein we should eat, and what sources of protein are best, especially as we age? In response to a New York Times article released this week, we are bringing back this episode form 2023, with a fresh introduction from Monica. New to Nutrition Diva?…
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Adaptogens, Botanicals, and Boosters: Which Products Actually Deliver? | Nutrition Diva LIVE in NYC!
Adaptogens, Botanicals, and Boosters: Which Products Actually Deliver? | Nutrition Diva LIVE in NYC! In this special live episode, recorded at the Drinks with Benefits alcohol-free festival in New York City—brought to you in partnership with Liquid I.V.—host Monica Reinagel dives into the...
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What does creatine actually do for muscle, brain, and sleep?
881. Bodybuilders have been taking creatine for decades, and its effects on strength and muscle mass are well established. Lately it's also being sold for brain health, better sleep, and menopause. The evidence on those newer claims is a lot thinner, but it isn't nothing. Creatine is stored…
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Do you need CoQ10 if you take a statin?
880. CoQ10 shows up in cellular energy production, in antioxidant defense, and increasingly, in marketing aimed at anyone over fifty. It's sold for energy, for athletic performance, and especially to the millions of people taking a statin, since those medications really do lower CoQ10 levels in…
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Is protein aging you faster? What the latest research actually says
879. Are you eating too much protein, or not enough? The honest answer is that the question itself is flawed, because there's no single number that fits everyone. In this episode, Monica breaks down why protein needs shift across a lifetime. The mTOR "growth switch" inside your cells runs hot...
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome, the tick-borne “Red Meat Allergy”
878. A tick bite you may not even remember getting can leave you unable to eat a hamburger, a slice of pizza, or a bowl of ice cream. That's alpha-gal syndrome, and it's turning up far outside its original range. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in the cells of most mammals but not in humans....
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The science of hydration and the electrolytes you actually need
Eight glasses a day. An ounce per pound. A pinch of salt in your water. Everyone has a hydration rule, and most of them came from somewhere other than the research. This live episode was recorded in front of an audience at the Friends of the National Arboretum in Washington, DC (@fonarboretum),...
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Why is everyone talking about L-Theanine?
877. L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is having a moment with longevity enthusiasts and menopause influencers alike, promoted to calm anxiety, clear brain fog, improve sleep, and slow aging. But does the research hold up? In this episode, Monica breaks down what the studies on...
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Vitamin K2: Is a supplement a good idea?
876. There's no vitamin F or G. After E, we jump straight to K, and that quirk is a hint that this nutrient is more complicated than it looks. Vitamin K isn't one thing. It's a whole family of compounds -- K1, K2, MK-4, MK-7 -- that come from different sources and do completely different jobs…
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Touching GRAS: What 'generally recognized as safe' really means
On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in November 2025. 838. Are manufacturers using a…
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Could eating more calcium lead to kidney stones?
874. If you're prone to kidney stones, you've probably been told to cut back on calcium. If you're worried about your bones, you've been told to get more. So which is it? Turns out it's a false choice. The old advice to restrict dietary calcium doesn't lower your risk of calcium stones -- it can...
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Do food dyes cause hyperactivity?
On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in November 2024. California recently enacted legislation...
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Can these foods remove plastics from your body?
874. Some wellness articles promise that certain foods can flush plastics and forever chemicals out of your body. In this episode, Monica tracked down the actual studies behind those claims, looking at what the research on fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants really shows about clearing PFAS. She...
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Can you absorb nutrients through the skin?
On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in August 2024. Examining whether vitamins and nutrients...
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What colonoscopy prep does to your microbiome and how to bounce back
873. Colonoscopy prep flushes everything out of your large intestine, including the trillions of bacteria that make up your gut microbiome. So once it's over, is that a chance to rebuild your intestinal flora better than before? A listener named Fred wondered the same thing, and when he asked his...
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How to eat healthy when traveling
On a road trip, tackling a summer cleanup, or just catching up on podcasts? QDT has you covered with Summer Saturday encores from your favorite shows. See the full Summer Saturday lineup on Spotify and enjoy this episode, which first aired in September 2023. Traveling doesn't mean your healthy...
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Sunscreen vs. vitamin D: Finding the right balance (Reissue)
787. How do we balance the need to protect our skin from UV rays with our body’s need for vitamin D? Mentioned in this episode: DMinder (iOS/Android) - http://dminder.ontometrics.com/ Vitamin D and UV Tracker (Android) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uv.vitamindtracker SunDay...
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What really works to clean fresh produce?
Summer Saturdays: Best of QDT Encore Episode: This episode originally aired May 2024. 706. Bloggers recommend everything from bleach to baking soda. Food safety experts insist that tap water is all you need. What’s the best way to kill germs on fresh produce? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our...
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How worried should you be? Listener Mailbag
872. Social media is full of alarming food lists: staples a cancer survivor swore off, ingredients a nutritionist says to toss immediately. In this episode, Monica works through three listener questions that share a common thread -- microwave popcorn and PFAS, microplastics in chewing gum, and...
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Can you eat your way off your cholesterol medication?
871. Your doctor says your LDL is too high and you'd rather change your diet than take a pill. The Portfolio Diet promises results that rival statin drugs -- but wait until you hear what it actually takes to follow it. Nutrition Diva breaks down the science, the evidence, and the real-world…
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Could a parasite cleanse be the solution for your brain fog?
870. Parasite cleanses are all over social media right now -- promising to explain your bloating, brain fog, and fatigue. But do they actually work? Monica digs into the science behind these trending protocols, what parasites really look like (spoiler: not what the influencers are showing you)…
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Does Beano cancel the benefits of beans?
869. Beans are gut health gold -- but the same compounds that feed your microbiome are also what cause the gas. So when you take an enzyme supplement like Beano to tame the bloat, are you undermining the benefit? Monica has a more reassuring answer than you might expect. References: A randomized...
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How to avoid summer weight gain in kids
School's out, the days are long, and summer should be the healthiest time of year for kids — more time outside, more fresh produce, more freedom to move. So why do so many children actually gain excess weight during summer vacation? In this episode, Monica breaks down a counterintuitive but...
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Is it safe to cook in aluminum foil?
868. Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple most of us reach for without a second thought — but should we be more careful about how we use it? This week, Monica breaks down what actually happens when aluminum foil comes into contact with your food, which cooking conditions increase leaching, and…
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Is it time to give plant-based burgers a second try?
In light of Summer BBQ season, let’s take a look at the latest formulations and how they compare to each other and to real beef. Since their wildly successful introduction in 2019, plant-based burgers like Beyond and Impossible have continued to evolve. Encore Episode: This episode originally…
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Can ChatGPT be your nutrition coach?
867. Information about food and nutrition has never been easier to come by. But as more and more people turn to TikTok, YouTube, or ChatGPT for health advice, it's important to consider whether you're looking for inspiration or authority. Monica breaks down how to tell the difference between a…
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Can you reverse gray hair? Here’s what the science says
866. The market is suddenly full of products claiming to prevent or even reverse gray hair — not by dyeing it, but by actually changing what's happening inside the hair follicle. Some of these serums, supplements, and "anti-gray systems" are backed by genuinely interesting science. Others are...
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The new food pyramid: progress or paradox?
865. The USDA unveiled the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the "Inverted Pyramid" has been sparking a lot of discussion. After a decade of MyPlate, why is the government returning to a pyramid visual—and why is it upside down? In this episode, Monica breaks down the major shifts…
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Everything you need to know about mineral absorption
864.Does putting spinach in your smoothie cancel out the calcium? Will your morning cup of tea prevent you from absorbing iron? In this episode, Monica looks into the science of mineral absorption and explores the truth behind "anti-nutrients" like oxalates, tannins, and fiber. While certain...
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Can resveratrol prevent bone loss? What the research really shows
In this episode, Monica breaks down the latest research on resveratrol and bone loss prevention. While the 2020 RESHAW study in Australia showed promising results for postmenopausal women, a more recent meta-analysis tells a different story. We separate the supplement hype from the evidence-based...
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What science has to say about your sweet tooth
862. Can you actually "reset" your taste buds by cutting out sugar? You’ve heard that a 30-day sugar detox will make your cravings disappear, but a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests our preference for sweetness is more permanent than we thought. This week, Monica...
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Can your diet reverse hair loss? (Reissue)
689. Is your hair falling out? Nutrient deficiencies may be to blame. Reversing it starts with finding the cause. Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinagel. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes…
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Bread first or last? Does food order affect blood sugar?
861. Can the order in which you eat your food "flatten the curve" of your blood sugar? From social media influencers to clinical research, a lot of people are talking about meal sequencing. This week, Monica breaks down whether saving your carbs for last actually improves insulin response…
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Cook or compost? What to do with carrot tops, avocado pits and peanut shells
860. Are you throwing away the most nutritious parts of your groceries? From blending avocado pits into smoothies to snacking on peanut shells, social media is full of "zero-waste" food hacks—but are they actually safe? This week, Monica digs into the compost bin to separate the "hidden…
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What’s with the pickle juice shot trend?
859. Does pickle juice really work, or are we all just falling for a briny trend? From the sidelines of the Philadelphia Eagles to the "wellness shots" at your local grocery checkout, pickle juice has officially gone viral. But while influencers claim it’s a cure-all for everything from hangovers...
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The science (and sales appeal) of low net carb candies
858. Are "low net carb" candies actually a healthy alternative, or just clever chemistry? In this episode, Monica breaks down the science of net carbs and the marketing behind some brands. We dive deep into the ingredient list to explain how sugar alcohols (like erythritol and isomalt) and...
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Are you "killing" the nutrients in your food? InstantPots, microwaves, and leftovers…and my only cardinal rule
Does your food lose its nutritional value as soon as it hits the heat? This week on Nutrition Diva, Monica answers a listener's question about how different cooking methods—specifically the Instant Pot versus the stovetop—impact the vitamins and minerals in your meals. We look into the science of...
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Is coffee mold actually making you sick?
856. According to the internet, your morning brew might be hiding "mold toxins" that cause brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues. But is mold-free coffee a bona fide health breakthrough, or just a clever marketing play? This week, Monica takes a closer look at the science of mycotoxins in...
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9 Ways to Optimize Breakfast
855. Is your "healthy" breakfast actually setting you up for a mid-morning crash? Many of us reach for 100-calorie yogurt cups or fiber bars thinking we’re making the right choice, only to find ourselves eyeing the office donut box by 10:00 AM. This week, the Nutrition Diva breaks down 9…
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New Research Alert: How do sugar substitutes affect the microbiome?
854. Do artificial sweeteners help—or hurt—efforts to manage weight? Fresh research offers some surprising new answers. References: Effect of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers on weight management and gut microbiota composition in individuals with overweight or obesity: the SWEET study | Nature...
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Study proves that UPFs cause weight gain…or does it?
853. A recent study on ultra-processed foods seems to be yet another nail in the coffin for UPFs. But all is not as it seems. References Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health Related Episodes: Maybe “hyperpalatabilty” isn’t the problem after all The...
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How do fermented dairy products affect cholesterol?
852. Fermented dairy may affect cholesterol differently than butter or processed meats—but it’s not a free pass. Here’s what the evidence actually shows about yogurt, cheese, saturated fat, and LDL cholesterol. References Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to Be Concerned? -...
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Fiber-maxxing: How much fiber is too much?
851. A current nutrition trend encourages people to dramatically increase their fiber intake. But how much fiber is actually helpful? And when can “more” start to backfire? Find a transcript here. Recommended Resources: The Bloated Belly Whisperer by Tamara Duker Freuman Regular, by Tamara Duker...
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Maybe “hyperpalatabilty” isn’t the problem after all
850. What if the real danger of hyperpalatable junk food isn't that it tastes too good, but that it actually silences the biological signals that tell you you're full? This episode explores groundbreaking neuroscience suggesting that overeating is driven by a lack of satisfaction rather than an...
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Have GLP-1s become the new Botox?
849. It is now easier than ever to get a prescription for powerful weight-loss drugs, thanks to a growing number of telehealth providers. But is this responsible care for obesity or something else? Find a transcript here. Ted Kyle on Telemedicine for Obesity Care. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out...
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Your questions about coffee and health
848. An episode we did earlier this month about coffee prompted questions from many listeners. Does coffee spike your cortisol? How does it affect the bladder? Is espresso healthier than drip? Answers to your questions here. Related episodes: 846 - Fact check: Is it bad to drink coffee on an…
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Does a high protein diet accelerate aging?
847. Does a high-protein diet accelerate aging or shorten life expectancy? It’s not a simple yes or no. References Low Protein Intake Is Associated with a Major Reduction in IGF-1, Cancer, and Overall Mortality in the 65 and Younger but Not Older Population: Cell Metabolism New Horizons: Dietary...
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Fact check: Is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach?
846. The internet has lots to say about how coffee affects your stomach. Unfortunately, most of it is wrong. References: Addition of milk to coffee beverages; the effect on functional, nutritional, and sensorial properties - PubMed A dark brown roast coffee blend is less effective at stimulating...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Nutrition advice has never been easier to find. Knowing which advice you can trust has never been harder.
Every day brings another headline, social media trend, or viral nutrition claim telling you what to eat, what to avoid, or which supplement will change your life. Much of it sounds convincing. Much of it isn't supported by the evidence.
Nutrition Diva helps you separate nutrition science from nutrition myths so you can make confident decisions about your health.
Each week, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN, translates evidence-based nutrition into plain English, breaking down the latest research and explaining what it really means for your everyday life. Instead of sensational headlines and fad diets, you'll get practical nutrition guidance you can understand—and use.
Whether you're trying to build healthier eating habits, lose weight, improve metabolic health, support healthy aging, or reduce your risk of chronic disease, every episode helps you m
HOSTED BY
QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Nutrition Diva have?
Nutrition Diva currently has 867 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Nutrition Diva about?
Nutrition advice has never been easier to find. Knowing which advice you can trust has never been harder. Every day brings another headline, social media trend, or viral nutrition claim telling you what to eat, what to avoid, or which supplement will change your life. Much of it sounds convincing....
How often does Nutrition Diva release new episodes?
Nutrition Diva releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 867 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Nutrition Diva?
You can listen to Nutrition Diva on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Nutrition Diva?
Nutrition Diva is created and hosted by QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN.
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